DE60120329T2 - Display device and method for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND THE INVENTION

Territory of invention

The The present invention relates to a display device and a method for a Motor vehicle with which card information and various Types of vehicle information on a screen of their display are displayed.

description of the prior art

each of the three Japanese Disclosures published on July 9, 1999 published No. Heisei 11-184446 (hereinafter referred to as Japanese First Laid-Open Publication No. Heisei 9-210704 published on August 15, 1997) (hereinafter referred to as Japanese Second Laid-Open Publication) and the no. Heisei 10-116052 (hereinafter referred to as Third Japanese Laid-Open Publication indicates) an already proposed display device for a vehicle.

In a first, already proposed vehicle display device, which is shown in the first Japanese Laid-Open Publication, becomes a brightness level of the entire screen accordingly an instantaneous time and a running position of the vehicle (the place) set. The brightness level of the image display device is based on such information of the driving environment of the vehicle like the running of the vehicle in the area of sunshine or in one Tunnel modified.

In a second, already proposed vehicle display device, which is shown in the second Japanese Laid-Open Publication, The brightness of the displayed screen will be adjusted accordingly Lighting condition of the vehicle controlled, if a special one Traffic information is obtained. The driver of the displayed Screen accurately recognize necessary information without error.

In a third, already proposed vehicle display device as shown in the third Japanese Laid-Open Publication is after an environmental image of the field of view of an observer is generated and a fixing point on the image specially set is the adaptability of the Sight of the observer calculated. In addition, the display state becomes of the display screen based on the calculated adaptability set.

US-A-5 673 987 discloses a display device for a motor vehicle with a Display, which is arranged at a position close to one Dashboard surface of the Vehicle is set up, and a control device in response to the detection of a condition of the vehicle that is a predetermined one Conditions met, to a process of increase the brightness of a display screen.

ABOLITION OF INVENTION

Even though in the first, already proposed vehicle display device the brightness level on the screen shown is the same as the Vehicle environment (environment) is set, but are not considerations in terms of adaptability of the driver to the brightness of the screen when, for example, the vehicle into the tunnel.

In addition, will in the second, already proposed vehicle display device the brightness of the displayed screen is also set only when the specific traffic information is displayed, where no consideration in terms of adaptability a driver made to a dark environment at an earlier time has been.

Even though in the third, already proposed vehicle display device the brightness of the displayed screen is adjusted, where the adaptability the observer to adapt to the surrounding environment of the vehicle, considered is no description as of a current one adaptability of the driver made to the dark environment.

In In the event that the vehicle is in good weather during the daytime into the tunnel almost all skills the sense of sight of the driver be focused on steering the vehicle. It is assumed that some information on the pictured Screen of the vehicle display device outside of a FOV field in which the information in can be read in a short time, or if the amount of information exceeds a quantity that in a short Time can be read. In this case can be considered be that for it the driver not easy, the information on the pictured screen to read.

That is, it is assumed that, for example, the technique described in the third Japanese Laid-Open Publication is applied to such a case when the display is expanded to a position of the vehicle or to a degree that the range of the field of vision within which the driver can read the information in a short time. This case would only lead to a useless stimulation of the vision of the driver. In addition, the effect of applying the technique disclosed in the third Japanese Laid-Open Publication is diminished for the purpose of a driver to adapt to a dark environment.

It Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a display device and a method for a motor vehicle, which in are able to modify the screen display with an importance the adaptability of the driver is set when a vehicle environment is changed.

To an execution The present invention is a display device for a motor vehicle is provided, which comprises: a display, which at a position of the Vehicle is arranged, which is near a dashboard surface of the vehicle is; and a controller responsive to the detection a state of the vehicle that satisfies a predetermined condition, a Process to gradual Decrease a brightness of a screen of the display in one given direction, which is farther from the line of sight of a vehicle driver, if the driver in a vehicle forward direction looks.

To another version The present invention is a display method for a motor vehicle provided, comprising: providing an indicator attached to a Position of the vehicle is arranged, which is near a Dashboard surface the vehicle is located; Detecting a state of the vehicle, the meets a given condition; and gradual Decrease the brightness of one screen of the display in one given direction, further from the direction of a line of sight of the driver is removed when the driver in a vehicle forward direction looks.

SHORT DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS

1 Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a display device for a motor vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as a vehicle display device) in a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention, which is applicable to the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth preferred embodiments, respectively ,

2 FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart illustrating a procedure executed in the vehicle display device in the first preferred embodiment. FIG.

3 FIG. 15 is a characteristic curve illustrating a relationship between a screen position and a change in the brightness of the screen of a display in the vehicle display device in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

4 FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of an example of the display in the case of the first preferred embodiment of FIG 1 illustrated vehicle display device.

5 FIG. 11 is an explanatory view illustrating an effective field of the viewing area and a size (dimension) of the screen of the display. FIG.

6 FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart illustrating a procedure executed in the vehicle display device according to the second preferred embodiment. FIG.

7 FIG. 12 is a characteristic graph showing the screen position and the change of the brightness of the screen according to the second preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device.

8th Fig. 10 is an explanatory view of a display example in the case of the second preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device.

9 FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart illustrating a procedure executed in the vehicle display device in the third preferred embodiment. FIG.

10 FIG. 14 is a characteristic graph illustrating the relationship between the screen brightness in the third preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device.

11 Fig. 10 is an explanatory view of a display example in the case of the third preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device.

12 FIG. 12 is a functional flowchart illustrating a process executed in the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

13 FIG. 12 is a characteristic graph illustrating the relationship between the screen position and the change of the brightness of the screen in the fourth preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device.

14 is a characteristic curve showing the relationship between the screen position and represents the change of screen brightness in the fourth preferred embodiment.

15 FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart illustrating a procedure executed in the vehicle display device according to the fifth preferred embodiment. FIG.

16 FIG. 14 is a characteristic graph showing the relationship between the screen position and the screen brightness change according to the fifth preferred embodiment.

17 Fig. 10 is an explanatory view of a display example in the case of the fifth preferred embodiment.

18 FIG. 14 is a characteristic graph illustrating a first example of a relationship between the screen position, the screen brightness, and a lapse of time in the case of the fifth preferred embodiment.

19 FIG. 12 is a characteristic graph illustrating a second example of the relationship between the screen position, the screen brightness, and a lapse of time in the case of the fifth preferred embodiment.

20 FIG. 13 is a characteristic graph showing a third example of the relationship between the screen position, the screen brightness, and a lapse of time in the case of the fifth preferred embodiment.

21 FIG. 15 is a characteristic graph illustrating a fourth example of the relationship between the screen position, the screen brightness, and a lapse of time in the case of the fifth preferred embodiment.

22 FIG. 12 is a characteristic graph showing a fifth example of the relationship between the screen position, the screen brightness, and a lapse of time in the case of the fifth preferred embodiment.

23 FIG. 15 is a characteristic graph illustrating a sixth example of the relationship between the screen position, the screen brightness, and a lapse of time in the case of the fifth preferred embodiment.

24 FIG. 15 is a characteristic graph illustrating a seventh example of the relationship between the bit screen position, the screen brightness, and a lapse of time in the case of the fifth preferred embodiment.

25 FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart illustrating a procedure performed in the vehicle display device of the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

26 FIG. 16 is a characteristic graph showing the relationship between the screen position and the screen brightness change in the sixth preferred embodiment.

27 FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a display example of the vehicle display device in the sixth preferred embodiment. FIG.

28 FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart illustrating a procedure executed in the seventh preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device. FIG.

29 FIG. 13 is a characteristic graph showing the relationship between the screen position and the screen brightness change in the seventh preferred embodiment.

30 FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a display example of the vehicle display device in the seventh preferred embodiment. FIG.

31 FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart illustrating a procedure executed in the eighth preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device. FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

in the Reference will be made to the drawings for the better understanding of the present invention.

(First execution)

1 FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the structure of a vehicle display device in a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. It should be noted that in 1 Each block diagram shown is applicable to the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

As in 1 shown comprises a complete vehicle display device with 1 is designated, a display 2 (Image display device) displaying various types of information relating to an automobile ticket or a vehicle; a light-on state detector 3 for detecting whether the vehicle is in a light-on state (lighting state); a luminance sensor 4 for detecting a Beleuchtungin intensity (or brightness) surrounding the vehicle; a time recording unit 5 for detecting the current time from a clock circuit mounted in the vehicle: a navigation device 6 to mainly calculate the current position of the vehicle; and a controller 7 to control a screen on the display 2 is displayed on the basis of each of the information pieces of this sensor, this detector and this device. It is noted that the control device 7 generally includes a microcomputer and its peripheral circuitry. The the control device 7 In general, forming microcomputer includes: a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an input and output channel, a common data bus, etc.

In addition, a designated in 1 Reference symbol P1 represents the direction of the line of sight of a vehicle driver when looking in a vehicle forward direction. An elliptical area S1, which is drawn with the direction of the line of sight P as the center, represents a visual field area that can be visually recognized only by movements of the vehicle operator's eyeballs (that is, a so-called field of view with stable concentration of the eyes) the driver looks in the vehicle forward direction.

Next, referring to an in 2 illustrated flowchart of the operation of the vehicle display device described in the first preferred embodiment. First, when the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on, the in 2 started shown routine. The control device 7 determined in step ST1 by the light-on state detector 3 Whether the lighting system of the vehicle (headlamps and / or small lamps) has been set from a power-off state to a power-on state (lit).

Then, namely, when YES in step ST1, the lighting system of the vehicle is turned on (lit), the control unit changes 7 at step ST2, the displayed screen of the display 2 from the time of day screen to a nighttime use screen (a nighttime awake screen and the nighttime (purpose) screen means the screen whose brightness (light intensity) is slightly lower than a normal daylight screen).

Next, at step ST3, the time acquiring unit becomes 5 Data recorded with respect to the current time and date.

At the next step ST4, the controller determines 7 whether the current time is in the daytime. If it is not in the time of day (NO in step ST4), in step ST5, no image processing will be shown on the display 2 carried out.

On the other hand, the controller adds 7 if the current time is the time of day (YES in step ST4) add on-screen brightness-on-screen image processing directed from an upper direction to a lower direction for screen brightness, gradually reduced in a linear manner at step ST6 as it is in a characteristic curve of 3 is shown. In step ST6, the maximum brightness of the screen of the display 2 set to match that originally seen on the nighttime screen. In addition, in such a display method as described above, a large amount of the light intensity (brightness) of the entire screen is reduced and the effect of assisting in adjusting a human visual sense to the dark environment of a field of vision is effected. As a result, a portion of the screen may be temporarily slightly brighter than the brightness originally displayed by the nighttime screen. In this regard, the same thing can be applied to each of the second to eighth preferred embodiments as described later.

4 FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a display example of the screen of the display. FIG 2 represents.

As in 4 is shown, the information is displayed on the screen in such a way that the screen brightness is gradually reduced, as the part of the screen of the display 2 from an upper side of the screen to its lower side. That is, by reducing the intensity of the lower side of the screen, a large amount of brightness of the entire screen can be reduced. In addition, it can be avoided that the sense of sight (also called optical sense) of the driver is uselessly stimulated. Consequently, the adaptation of the sense of sight of the driver to the dark environment of the field of view can be supported.

Because the brightness of the upper side of the screen of the display 2 not diminished, as it is in 4 is displayed, important information such. As the vehicle speed, but on the display 2 even in a situation such as the entrance of the vehicle into the tunnel at daytime, which requires a relatively high level of attention, must be displayed on a part of the screen of the display 2 , which is relatively close to the line of sight of the driver, are displayed when the driver is looking in a vehicle forward direction.

Because the screen brightness is linear ver In addition, a calculation amount required to change the brightness (intensity) in the controller may be changed 7 to be processed, reduced. It is noted that the above-described process of changing the brightness is not performed if the current time is not in the time of day.

With reference back to 2 measures the control device 7 after the process of gradually reducing the intensity (brightness) of the screen at step ST6 consecutively, an elapsed time (step ST7). After a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step ST8), the intensity of the screen of the display becomes 2 at step ST9 is reset to that for the original nighttime screen. Then the current routine is ended.

Here a feature of the visual sense of man is explained in order to the understanding Both a field of view area in which the information in a short time can be read as well as another field of vision, in which the sense of sight of the driver is stimulated to facilitate. After an article in the Issue of an O Plus E designated magazine of January 1986 "Physiological Engineering (Optics) called 16 " is located, there is an area, namely "an effective field of view," in which an information search only by moving the eyeballs without movement of the human head is possible, each 15 ° in the direction to the left and to the right, about 12 ° towards the bottom and about 8 ° in Direction upwards. One area, namely "a stable field of view to look "in which with the movement of the human head (usually head panning), which is added A gaze movement in the stable state can be performed is 30 ° to 45 ° respectively towards the left and to the right, 25 ° to 40 ° towards the bottom and 20 ° to 30 ° towards above, with a fixation point as the center.

Consequently is induced in an "induced Field of View "(the Presence of visual information, and there is only one way a rough content of information, and a minimal area, when the eyeball movement is forced on the visual information to look, with the fixed head movement (about 50 ° each towards the left and towards the right, and about 45 ° respectively towards the left and towards the right, and about 45 ° towards down and about 40 ° in Upward direction, with the fixation point as the center) over one Area that is wider than the stable field of view area for viewing, the presence of visual information, namely the presence of Light, recognized. Next delivers "the Environment of a comparison field over an area (additional Field of view) Field of view that is wider than the induced field of view (namely 100 ° to 200 ° in horizontal Direction and 85 ° to 130 ° in vertical direction, with the fixing point as the center), where a sudden change of incentive reaction causes the eye movement (watching) triggered becomes. This means, when the brightness suddenly changed this can be detected.

The Reading information in a short time can be considered as the following two operations become. A concept is a process of transmitting the line of sight, namely Fixation point on the display, only to the eyeball movement after To search for information. This operation area is a field of view area, the effective field of view is called and in a range of about 20 ° each in the upward and downward direction and about 30 ° respectively towards the left and towards the right. Another Concept is a process for finding the information in one Area in which the eye movement in the stable state with the supplemented head movement carried out can be. This area in the field of view area, the stable field of view area called for viewing, covers the range of 45 ° to 70 ° respectively in the upward and downward direction and from 60 ° to 90 ° respectively in the direction of the left and in the direction of the right.

Such an operation is adopted that the information is searched on a display device with the head movement supplemented in an area so that the eye movement (observation) can stably be performed at an intended time if it seems safe to the driver even if he the line of sight (the eyes of the driver) from the vehicle forward direction rotates for a while in the state in which the eyes of the driver (line of sight) are directed for the purpose of safe driving when steering the vehicle in the vehicle forward direction. In this case, an inner side of the stable field of view for observing (looking) with the line of sight when the driver looks in the vehicle forward direction as a reference, namely an inner side of an elliptical zone denoted S1 in FIG 1 is shown, an area of the field of view in which the information can be read in a short time. Subsequently, an area having an outside of this field of view area (S1 in FIG 1 ) results in a different field of view area in which the sense of sight of the driver is stimulated without contributing to the reading of the information.

On the other hand, such a process is assumed that the line of sight of the vehicle driver is moved to a center of the display device and searched at an intended time only by the eyeball movement for the information when the driver's line of sight is deflected for a while from the vehicle forward direction, with the driver's head directed in the direction in which the display device is located, and the line of sight in the vehicle Vehicle forward direction is maintained. In this case, when the screen of the display device has a size in such a range as is large enough for the information to be searched only by the eyeball movement, it may be considered appropriate to map important information by using the entire screen.

Next, a size of the visual field area is assumed in which the displayed information can be read in a short time, namely, the size of the display device that does not exceed the effective visual field. Many display devices such as the liquid crystal display (LCD), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), etc., have rectangular shapes suitable for TV sets and display devices in computer systems. Therefore, the size of the display device, which does not exceed the effective field of view, if this effective field of view by a in 5 shown ellipse, inscribed in the ellipse rectangle. That is, an in 5 illustrated line segment x1-x2 corresponds to a viewing angle of 30 °, respectively in the left direction and in the right direction with respect to a line segment, from a position of the driver's eyes on a midpoint portion of the display 2 with a line segment y1-y2 in relation thereto corresponds to a viewing angle of 20 ° in each case in the upward direction and in the downward direction.

If a field of visual sense is constant, each line segment becomes x1-x2 and y1-y2 shorter, because the visual distance is shorter becomes. It is assumed that a seat of the driver in pushed a normal motor vehicle in a front seat position is, by the seat displacement mechanism is used, namely a Case where, for example, a small driver, to set up the driver's seat in a so-called steering wheel and pedal position shifts. In this case, the visual shows Distance often about 600 millimeters (mm).

in the Case of a visual distance of about 600 millimeters (mm) a length of the line segment y1-y2 approximately 212 millimeters (mm). Although the ratio of the lateral side (long) to the long side (short) of a rectangle, which in one through the line segments x1-x2 and y1-y2 defined ellipse inscribed 4: 3 shows a length the diagonal of the rectangle about 265 millimeters (mm). The relationship the long side to the short side corresponds to the screen size of the conventional one TV set or the computer system display device (a so-called aspect ratio). Because the size of the screen usually indicated by the diagonal in a unit of inches is a value of 10.4, that of 265 mm in the unit inches was converted, the size of the display device, the field of view in which the displayed information is displayed in can be read in a short time, does not exceed.

Consequently owns each preferred embodiment of Vehicle display device according to the present invention many Advantages with respect to such a relatively large-sized display, so that whose screen is expanded to an area similar to the one above rather exceeds the described angle of view as such a relatively small sized display, its screen is extended within the above-described viewing angle.

In the first embodiment, the brightness (light intensity) of the image display device (image display device) is controlled when a predetermined state is detected, such as a state that a vehicle enters a tunnel at the time of day and when the weather is fine, gradually to a predetermined direction being set slightly further from the direction of the line of sight of the driver when the driver is looking in the vehicle forward direction. Therefore, necessary information of corresponding brightness is displayed at a position located near the line of sight of the driver when the driver is looking in the vehicle forward direction, namely at a position on the display 2 where the line of sight can be avoided without effort and the information read; whereas the brightness is reduced on such a screen position so that the information can not be read unless the line of sight is highly moved. As a result, adequate display on the screen can be achieved, such as to assist the adaptability of the driver's sense of sight without uselessly stimulating the driver's vision.

In addition, in the first preferred embodiment, so far as the size of the displayed screen of the display 2 is concerned, the display screen extended to a loading range of about 20 ° or more each in the directions up and down and of about 30 ° or more each in the directions to the left and right, with a line segment from the eye position of the driver to the center of the display as the center point. Therefore, it is not necessary to darken the displayed screen with a width meaningless, so that the information can be read in a short time. On the other hand, one can measured display to support the adaptability of the visual sense for such a relatively large screen can be achieved to be extended to the field of view area, which does not contribute to reading the information in a short time, but affects the adaptability of the visual sense.

In addition, should in the first preferred embodiment the process of gradual Decrease the brightness of the screen's brightness to linear Reduce way. Therefore, such a burden on the Vehicle display device such as the realization of image processing is imposed.

Moreover, in the first preferred embodiment, the above-described predetermined direction is directed from an upper end of the screen to the lower end thereof. Therefore, the load of the vehicle display device 1 be reduced in terms of the realization of image processing.

(Second execution)

When next hereinafter will be the second preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device described according to the present invention.

The vehicle display device in the second preferred embodiment has the same construction as that shown in FIG 1 is shown. It is noted that in the second embodiment, a navigation device 6 not always needed.

It is referring to a in 6 illustrated flowchart the operation of the second embodiment described. When the ignition key of the vehicle is turned on, the routine of FIG 6 started. The control device 7 In step ST11, the brightness surrounding the vehicle is detected by the luminance sensor 4 ,

Subsequently, if, for example, the vehicle has entered the tunnel at the time of day and the control device 7 detects that the lighting system of the vehicle (headlamps and / or small lamps) is turned on (YES in step ST12), the display becomes 2 changed to the nighttime screen in step ST13.

Next, the routine goes to step ST14. At step ST14, the controller reads 6 Data regarding the current time and date by the time recording unit 5 is detected and determines whether the current time is in the time of day (at step ST15). At the same time, the routine proceeds from step ST13 to step ST14, and the luminance sensor 4 detects the brightness surrounding the vehicle.

In step ST17, the controller determines 7 Whether a change rate of the luminance is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

The routine proceeds from steps ST15 and ST17 to step ST18. If the current time is in the time of day and the rate of change of the luminance is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (YES in step ST18, namely, all YES), then the controller stops 7 determines that the current time is in the time of day and the vehicle has entered the tunnel, and the routine goes to step ST20. In step ST20, the controller determines 7 in that the vehicle has entered the tunnel in daytime and fine weather, and performs a process of gradually reducing the screen intensity (brightness) in a predetermined direction.

As in a characteristic curve of 7 is shown, the brightness (luminance intensity) of the screen in the form of an exponential function gradually from the upper side of the screen of the display 2 to the bottom of the screen of the display 2 reduced. That's why the display shows 2 , as in 8th The picture on the screen shows the top of the screen as high intensity, but its bottom side is extremely low intensity, making the picture almost invisible. That is, the large amount of brightness of the entire screen is reduced by lowering the brightness on an upper side of the screen, whereby the useless stimulation of the sense of sight of the driver can be avoided. Consequently, the adaptation of the visual sense to the dark environment of the field of view can be supported.

As the brightness of the upper side of the screen of the display 2 is not reduced (remains unchanged), on the other hand, the information regarding the vehicle speed, etc., which must be displayed even in such a relatively demanding situation, namely, that the vehicle is retracted in the tunnel, on a position (in this embodiment, the upper side) of the screen of the display 2 that is relatively near the line of sight when the driver is looking forward in the vehicle direction. In addition, a wider frame of the screen is darkened because of the intensity of the screen (or brightness) of the display 2 is changed in the form of an exponential function, whereby such a minimum brightness is maintained, which is visible at least in the case where a passenger instead of the driver, the screen of the display 2 considered. Therefore the useless stimulation of the sense of sight of the driver can be avoided.

Subsequently, after the process of gradually decreasing the intensity of the screen is executed at step ST20, the controller measures 7 at step ST21 of FIG 6 consecutively the elapsed time.

If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step ST21), a process of returning the luminance intensity of the screen of the display at step ST23 becomes 2 performed in the original nighttime screen. It is noted that the routine goes to step ST19 in which image processing is not performed, when the current time is not in the time of day or when the rate of change of the luminance is not greater than or equal to the predetermined value (NO at step ST18).

In the second embodiment reduces the process of gradual Reducing the brightness of the screen in the form of an exponential function. Therefore, the displayed screen may have a display characteristic generate, which adapted to the visual property of humans accordingly can be.

(Third version)

Next, the third preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device will be described below. The vehicle display device in the third preferred embodiment has the same structure as that in FIG 1 shown first embodiment. It should be noted that in the third embodiment of the luminance sensor 4 not always needed.

With reference to an in 9 In the flowchart shown, the operation of the vehicle display device in the third preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

When the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on, the in 9 started shown routine. In step ST31, the controller determines 7 whether the lighting system (headlamp and / or small lamps) is on (lit).

When the vehicle's lighting system is turned on (YES in step ST3), the display becomes 2 is changed to the nighttime (purpose) screen (at step ST32).

Next, the controller reads 7 in the next step ST35, data regarding the current time and the current date obtained by the time recording unit 5 be detected. In the next step ST36, the control unit determines 7 whether the current time is in the time of day. In the next step ST33 takes the control unit 7 Reference to data of car cards from the navigation device 6 and determines at step ST34 whether the current current location point is in a tunnel interval. If the current time is in the time of day and the vehicle is in the tunneling interval (YES in step ST37, namely, all YES), the screen intensity (brightness) of the display becomes 2 is gradually reduced in the predetermined direction in the next step ST39.

In the third embodiment, the screen intensity is gradually reduced from the upper side of the screen to the lower side thereof as indicated by the characteristic curve of 10 is shown. Consequently, the screen can display the image in which the image is bright on the upper side thereof, slightly bright in the intermediate part thereof, and dark on the lower side as shown in FIG 11 is pictured.

The is called, the size Amount of brightness of the entire screen is reduced by the brightness of the intermediate part and the lower part the screen is reduced, with useless stimulation the sense of sight of the driver can be avoided. Consequently, the Adjusting the sense of sight to the dark field of view are supported.

On the other hand, vehicle speed information and other information that must be displayed even in such a situation may require relatively much attention when the vehicle enters the tunnel 41 continues to be displayed at the position that is relatively close to the line of sight when the driver is looking in the vehicle forward direction. In addition, the screen intensity can be calculated by a relatively simple calculation because the screen intensity is changed step by step, making it easy to establish a corresponding relationship between the importance and the danger of display contents and screen intensity (brightness).

With reference back to 9 measures the control device 7 After the process of gradually reducing the intensity of the screen is executed at step ST39, the elapsed time is successively at step ST40. When the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step ST41), the screen of the display becomes 2 reset to the original nighttime (purpose) screen in step ST42. It is noted that image processing is not performed (step ST38) when the current position of the vehicle is not within the tunneling interval and the current time is not in the daytime (NO in step ST37).

In the third embodiment, the method for gradually reducing the brightness of the screen is to gradually reduce the brightness. Therefore, the load on the vehicle display device 1 in terms of image processing, with the display contents made consistent with the brightness of the screen.

(Fourth version)

When next Hereinafter, the fourth preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device will be described described.

The vehicle display device in the fourth preferred embodiment has the same construction as in FIG 1 shown.

When the vehicle ignition switch is turned on, the in 12 started shown routine. In step ST51, the luminance sensor detects 4 the brightness surrounding the vehicle. In addition, the controller determines 7 from the luminance sensor 4 at step ST52, if the lighting system (headlights and / or small lamps) is turned on. If the lighting system is on (illuminated) (YES in step ST52), the routine goes to step ST53. In step ST53, the controller changes 7 the current screen in the nighttime screen. Subsequently, the controller takes 7 in step ST54, reference to data of car cards issued by the navigation apparatus 6 to be obtained. In step ST55, the controller determines 7 whether the current running position of the vehicle within the tunnel from the car map data of the navigation device 6 located. On the current data of time and date, by the time recording unit 5 are obtained, reference is made in step ST56. The control device 7 determines in step ST57 whether the current time is in the time of day. In addition, the controller provides 7 at steps ST58 and ST59, determine whether the rate of change of the luminance detected by the luminance sensor 4 was detected, is greater than or equal to the predetermined size.

Then, when the running position of the vehicle is inside the tunnel, it is in the time of day and the rate of change of the luminance caused by the luminance sensor 4 is detected, is greater than or equal to the predetermined rate of change (all YES in step ST60), provides the control unit 7 determines that the vehicle is running in a situation where it has entered the tunnel during the daytime in fair weather, and performs a process of gradually reducing the screen of the display 2 in the predetermined direction (step ST62). The default direction is the direction from a portion of the screen located near the line of sight of the vehicle operator to a portion of the screen farther from the line of sight of the vehicle operator when the vehicle driver was looking in the vehicle forward direction.

In the fourth embodiment, such processing as gradually reducing the screen in incremental form (the number of steps is three or more than that in the case of the third embodiment) is from the upper side of the display 2 to its lower side in a characteristic curve of 13 shown. Consequently, according to 14 the screen will display the image where the image on its upper side becomes bright and its lower side becomes dark, making it almost invisible.

The is called, the size Amount of brightness of the entire screen can be reduced by the brightness in the intermediate part and the lower one Part of the screen is reduced. Then the useless stimulation the sense of sight of the driver are avoided. Consequently, the customization can the sense of sight to the dark environment of the field of view are supported.

on the other hand can Information about vehicle speed or other information, which still have to be displayed in such a situation, the requires a lot of attention when the vehicle is in the Tunnel enters, continue to be displayed at the point that is near the line of sight is located when the driver is looking in the vehicle forward direction. In addition, can the screen brightness (intensity) by relatively simple arithmetic operations calculated as the screen brightness (intensity) gradually will be changed, where it becomes easy, a corresponding relationship between importance and danger set up display content and screen intensity. Furthermore becomes the screen intensity controlled to be changed in multiple steps, the multi-level change the brightness is more effective in a case where the levels of Display contents are different.

With reference back to 12 measures the control device 7 After the process for gradually decreasing the intensity of the screen is performed, the elapsed time is successively in step ST63. Then, when the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step ST64), the screen of the display becomes 2 back to the original nighttime (purpose) screen in step ST65 set. It is noted that image processing is not performed (step ST <b> 61) when the running position of the vehicle is not within the tunnel and does not set the current time in the daytime (NO at step ST60).

In the fourth preferred embodiment, the direction in which the brightness of the display screen is gradually decreased corresponds to a vertical direction from the upper side of the screen to the lower side thereof. Therefore, the burden on the vehicle display device 1 be reduced to the image processing.

(Fifth version)

Next, the fifth preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device will be described below. The construction of the fifth embodiment is the same as in FIG 1 shown. It is noted, however, that in the fifth preferred embodiment, the luminance sensor 4 and the navigation device 6 as in 1 are not always needed.

The operation of the preferred embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG 15 described. When the vehicle ignition switch is turned on, the in 15 routine started. The control device 7 determines whether the lighting system (headlights and / or small lamps) is turned on (step ST71). Subsequently, for example, when the vehicle has entered the tunnel and the lighting system of the vehicle has been detected (YES at step ST71), the screen of the display may 2 to the nighttime (purpose) screen (step ST72).

At the next step ST73, the controller takes 7 Regarding the by the time recording unit 5 detected data regarding the current time and the current date.

In step ST74, the controller determines 7 whether the current time is in the daytime. If the current time is in the time of day (YES in step ST74), the routine goes to step ST76, in which a light intensity of the screen of the display 2 is once reduced (step ST76). Thereafter, the controller measures 7 at step ST77, the elapsed time and gradually increases the light intensity of the screen corresponding to the elapsed time in step ST78. After the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step ST79), the control unit changes 7 the screen intensity so that the intensity of the screen is gradually decreased from the upper side to the lower side in step ST80.

In the fifth embodiment, the controller performs 7 as it is in a characteristic curve of 16 it can be seen, such a process through to the screen intensity (brightness) in two stages between the upper side and the lower side of the screen of the display 2 to change. As a result, the image will appear in the screen as shown by a display example of 17 is shown bright on the upper side of the screen and dark on the lower side again so that it is almost invisible. That is, the large amount of brightness of the entire screen is reduced by reducing the intensity on the lower side of the screen, thereby avoiding useless stimulation of the driver's sense of sight. Consequently, the adaptation of the visual sense to the dark environment of the field of view can be supported.

on the other hand can the information about vehicle speed and other information that even in such a situation still need to be displayed, the requires a lot of attention when the vehicle is in the Tunnel enters, at the point that is near the line of sight when the driver in vehicle forward direction looks, continue to be displayed, since the light intensity (brightness) of the upper Side of the screen is not reduced. In addition, the screen intensity can be increased by a relatively simple calculation method can be calculated since the change the intensity progressively on the screen (in this case, the two stages), and it becomes easy, the corresponding relationship between importance and danger the levels of display content and screen intensity.

After the process of gradually reducing the intensity of the screen is performed (step ST80), the controller measures 7 at step ST81 consecutively, the elapsed time. After the lapse of the predetermined time (YES in step ST82), the screen of the display becomes 2 reset to the original nighttime (purpose) screen in step ST83. It is noted that image processing is not performed (step ST75) when the current time is not in the time of day (NO at step ST74).

The Details of the series of processes (steps ST76 to ST80) regarding once reducing the light intensity of the screen and increasing its Light intensity will be described below.

For example, it is assumed that the screen of the display 2 once set to a non-display state. At this time, the once set non-display state is effective to assist the sense of sight to the dark surroundings of the field of view to be adapted. Such a situation as described above will be described with reference to a characteristic curve in FIG 18 described.

18 is a characteristic curve representing in three-dimensional form the three elements time, screen brightness and vertical positions of the screen. In 18 a transverse axis designates the time, a longitudinal axis the screen brightness and a depth axis the vertical position of the screen.

In 18 A denotes a time at which the lighting device is turned on and the screen of the display 2 Switching to the night-time (purpose) screen (night-time screen means a screen in which the brightness is slightly reduced for night-time viewing). Next, B denotes a time point at which the current time is determined to be in the time of day (a case where the lighting device is turned on after the vehicle enters the tunnel although it is in the time of day). At time B, the screen is placed in the non-display state (a state in which the entire screen is dimmed).

After this the predetermined time has elapsed, the screen display becomes so performed that at a time C the brightness over the entire image area gradually decreases from the top of the screen to its bottom side. Next is at a time D at the end of another expiration of time the entire screen is set to the nighttime screen.

Since in the method described above, the screen of the display 2 Once in the non-display state in the case where the vehicle has entered the tunnel, the driver's sense of sight can be assisted to adapt to the dark surroundings of the field of view.

In addition, in the in 18 shown example in which the vehicle is retracted into the tunnel, the entire screen of the display 2 once in non-display state. In the case where important information such as the vehicle speed is displayed on the upper side of the screen, however, it is effective that the process of reducing the light intensity is not performed only for the image area on which this information is displayed. This situation will be described below with reference to a characteristic curve shown in FIG 19 is shown. As in 19 is shown, this display method is substantially the same as that in 18 display method shown. When the vehicle has entered the tunnel at time B, only the lower side is set to the non-display state without the light intensity (brightness) at the upper side of the screen of the display 2 to reduce. That is, the brightness of the top of the screen is not reduced, but left in the brightness of the night-time screen.

Therefore can the information regarding high importance and high danger, like the one on the top of the vehicle speed screen, etc. are to be clearly indicated and considered.

In the in 18 The example shown has described the method in which the entire screen is once in the non-display state and the brightness of the screen is then gradually decreased from the upper side to the lower side at time C. However, it is possible to display the area of the screen on the upper side in which the information of high importance and danger is to be displayed at an earlier time than the time point C. That is, once the entire screen is in the non-display state at time B, only the display of the upper side area of the screen is started at a time C1 earlier than the time C, and the display of the lower one lateral range is started at time C later than time C1, as shown in FIG 20 is shown. At this time, the adaptability of the sense of sight of the driver to the dark environment of the visual field can be increased, and the information having importance and danger can be displayed at an earlier time. Information such as vehicle speed can be visually confirmed as early as possible.

In addition, it was with reference to 19 the bright display only from the upper lateral area of the screen of the display 2 described. However, it is possible that the image is displayed with the brightness of the upper lateral area, which is reduced in comparison with that in the nighttime screen, and only with the lower area of the screen in the non-display state, when the vehicle is in the Tunnel is retracted. That is, an increase rate of the light intensity between the upper side area and the lower side area is modified. 21 is a characteristic curve that represents this situation. As in 21 is shown, at a time point B when the vehicle has entered the tunnel, the area of the lower side of the screen is set in the non-display state, and the display is performed with reduced brightness on the upper side of the screen. The display method after time C is the same as that in FIG 18 example shown.

If any or any of the methods described above are used in 18 to 21 are adopted in the display method, the adaptability of the driver's sense of sight to the dark environment of the field of view can be increased, and the information regarding high performance and high danger can be clearly displayed even in a state in which the brightness is reduced , Therefore, the information can be visually confirmed by the driver at the moment. In the in 18 In the example shown, the case where the brightness of the screen was switched immediately at time C was described. Alternatively, stepwise switching of the screen brightness can be achieved.

That is, the brightness can, as in the characteristic curve of 22 in the form of a linear function in response to the lapse of time from the time C to a time C2 later than the time C, and such a screen having a two-level brightness can be achieved. In this case, the brightness, as with reference to the example of 20 described for the time C to be different between the upper side area of the screen and the lower side area.

In addition, as in the characteristic curve of 23 illustrated, a time C3 set before the time C, wherein it is possible to increase the light intensity of the upper side portion of the screen stepwise at time C3. It is noted that the light increase can be performed in the three or more stages, although in the example of FIG 23 the two-stage increase in light intensity is performed. It is possible to gradually increase the light gain at the bottom of the screen.

In addition, as in a characteristic curve of 24 is shown, the upper lateral area of the screen in the form of an exponential function at time C3 and in the form of an exponential function at time C are increased. It is noted that a timing where the brightness of the screen is gradually reduced at the upper lateral area may be different from that where the brightness of the screen at the lower lateral area thereof is gradually decreased. In addition, the timing at which the increase of the light intensity at the upper lateral portion of the screen has started may be the same as that at which the increase of the light intensity at the lower lateral portion thereof has started (the time C may coincide with the time C3) ).

Moreover, each of the characteristic screen curves that are in 18 to 24 are not limited to the case shown in the stepwise change in the characteristic curve of the screen brightness of 16 is shown, in which the brightness is switched in two stages of the upper lateral area of the screen and its lower lateral area. Each characteristic curve of the screen display is applicable to the various cases where the brightness is gradually reduced from the upper side of the screen to the lower side thereof.

In the fifth preferred embodiment becomes the light intensity once reduced if this predetermined condition of the vehicle condition, where the vehicle enters the tunnel at daytime and in good weather retracts is detected, the light intensity of the screen then gradually reduced becomes. Therefore, the adaptability can the sense of sight to the dark environment of the field of view to be further supported.

In addition, will in the fifth preferred embodiment the light intensity once reduced and then the rate of incremental increase of the screen Brightness of the screen between part of the screen, which is located relatively close to the direction of the line of sight of the driver, and another part of it, which is relatively far from the direction of whose line of sight is located, modified. Therefore, the part of the Screen, which is relatively close to the line of sight direction, many cases where more important information is displayed, one such brightness will cause the information to become relative early Time can be read. Subsequently The other part of the screen can be relatively far from the line of sight is removed and the driver in the above Vehicle condition little observed, with the brightness of such Grades are displayed that the adaptability of the visual sense to the dark environment of the field of view is not complicated.

In addition, in the fifth preferred embodiment, the brightness of only a part of the screen, which is relatively close to the line of sight of the driver, remains unchanged when the brightness of the screen is gradually increased after the light intensity of the screen is once lowered. Therefore, in such a display on which the important information is displayed on the part of the screen near the direction of the line of sight of the driver, this important information can be displayed at any time in appropriate brightness (unless the power of the vehicular display apparatus 1 is switched off).

In addition, in the fifth preferred Performing a temporal relationship smaller when the brightness of the screen is gradually increased after the light intensity of the screen is once reduced, as the screen becomes closer to the part of the screen that is near the line of sight. Therefore, in the illustrated screen, the portion of the screen described above can cause the brightness at which the information described above can be read in a relatively fast time, so that the relatively frequent information to be viewed on the part of the screen in the vicinity of the line of sight ,

In addition, in the fifth preferred embodiment, the brightness of the screen is increased linearly with respect to time as a method of gradually increasing the brightness after the light intensity of the screen is once reduced. Consequently, the burden of the display 2 be reduced in terms of image processing.

In addition, will in the fifth preferred embodiment the brightness of the screen in the form of an exponential function in terms of time increases, as a method of gradually increasing the brightness after the light intensity once the screen is reduced. Consequently, this display can be the one Display property available that suitably adapted to the sight of man is.

Furthermore will be in the fifth preferred embodiment the brightness of the screen in relation to the time gradually elevated, as a method of gradually increasing the brightness after the Light intensity once the screen is reduced. Therefore, the burden of Vehicle display device in terms of image processing with Display contents that match the brightness of the screen, be reduced.

(Sixth version)

When next hereinafter, the sixth preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device described according to the present invention.

The vehicle display device in the sixth preferred embodiment has the same construction as in FIG 1 shown. It is noted that in the sixth embodiment, both the luminance sensor 4 as well as the navigation device 6 not always needed. The following is with reference to a in 25 illustrated flow chart described the operation of the sixth preferred embodiment.

When the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on, the in 25 routine started. First, the controller determines 7 at step ST91, whether the lighting system (headlights and / or small lamps) is turned on (illuminated). For example, when the vehicle has entered the tunnel and the vehicle's lighting system is turned on (YES at step ST91), the screen of the display becomes 2 changed to the nighttime screen.

Next, the controller takes 7 in step ST93, reference to data regarding the current time and date by the time acquisition unit 5 be detected. The control unit 7 determines whether it is in the time of day (YES in step ST94) and performs the image processing in step ST96 to gradually decrease the light intensity of the screen in the predetermined direction. If NO in step ST94, the routine goes to step ST95 where image processing is not performed.

26 is a characteristic curve representing a relationship between the brightness of the screen in the sixth preferred embodiment, vertical coordinates of the screen and its horizontal coordinates.

As in 26 12, in the sixth embodiment, a right upper side area (a case where the vehicle is a right side steering vehicle) of the screen of the display is shown 2 bright and adjusted so that the brightness is gradually reduced in the lower left direction. Subsequently, as indicated by the display example of FIG 27 4, the screen is brightly displayed in the upper-right lateral area and is set for the brightness in the lower and left direction of the screen to be gradually reduced.

As indicated by the display example of 27 is shown, the screen on a right upper side portion of the screen is displayed brightly, with the displayed portions at the lower end portion of the screen and at the left end portion being so dark that the screen thereon is almost invisible. That is, reducing the light intensity of the left and lower sides of the screen reduces a large amount of brightness of the entire screen. Thus, the useless stimulation of the sense of sight of the driver can be avoided. Consequently, the adaptation of the visual sense to the dark environment of the field of view can be supported.

On the other hand, the display of the vehicle speed and other information that must be displayed even in such a situation, in the relatively much he attention when the vehicle enters the tunnel, it is necessary to continue to display at a position of the screen that is near the line of sight when the driver is looking in the vehicle forward direction because the light intensity of the upper right side of the screen is not lowered.

In addition, can the intensity of the screen through the relatively simple calculation method calculated as the light intensity on the screen gradually changed becomes (in this case three stages), whereby it becomes easy, an appropriate one Relationship between levels (importance and danger) of the display contents and the screen intensity to set up.

With reference back to 25 measures the control device 7 at step ST97, the passage of time and performs the process of gradually increasing the light intensity of the screen in accordance with the lapse of time (YES at step ST98). This process of step ST98 is performed by giving a natural (soft) feeling of a change in brightness when the screen is reset to the nighttime screen.

After this the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step ST99), that is screen intensity at the original Nighttime (purpose) screen arrived (at step ST100). It is noted that the vehicle display device in the sixth execution according to the present Invention is applicable to a left-hand drive vehicle, although the example of the application to the right-hand driving vehicle described has been. In the case of the left-hand steering vehicle, the display screen is symmetrical with respect to the case of the right-hand steering vehicle arranged.

In the sixth preferred embodiment corresponds the direction in which the brightness of the screen gradually decreases becomes, an oblique direction from the right upper side of the screen to the lower left Page. Consequently, in the case of the vehicle, where the driver's seat is up the right side is arranged (the right-hand steering vehicle) this sense of brightness reduction appropriate to the visual property adapted by the driver.

(Seventh Embodiment)

Next, the seventh preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device according to the present invention will be described below. The vehicle display device 1 in the seventh preferred embodiment has the same structure as in 1 shown. It is noted that in the seventh embodiment, both the light-on state detection unit 3 as well as the navigation device 6 not always needed.

The operation of the seventh preferred embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG 28 described. When the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on, the in 28 routine started.

First, the controller detects 7 at step ST111 from the luminance sensor 4 the brightness surrounding the vehicle. Subsequently, the controller determines 7 in step ST112, whether that of the luminance sensor 4 detected luminance is suddenly changed. If the rate of change per predetermined time is large (YES in step ST112), such process as changing the screen of the display becomes 2 in the nighttime screen at step ST113. In addition, the control unit takes 7 at step ST114, reference to the time acquisition unit 4 detected data regarding the current time and the current date. In step ST115, the control unit 7 Determines if the current time is in the daytime. If the control unit 7 determines that the current time is not in the daytime (NO in step ST115), no image processing is performed in step ST116. When the controller 7 determines that the current time is in the time of day (YES in step ST115), in step ST117, such a process as the gradual reduction of the screen intensity on the display 2 performed in the given direction. In the seventh embodiment, the case where the above-described series of processes are applied to the left-steering vehicle has been described. As it is in 29 is shown, the brightness is gradually reduced from a left upper position of the screen to its lower right position. As a result, a part of the screen located near its upper left end is brightly displayed (with high brightness) as in FIG 30 is shown; and if the part of the screen is directed in a downward-right direction, the screen gradually becomes darker. The screen on the lower right side has the brightness to a degree that the screen in the lower right position is almost invisible. That is, the large amount of brightness of the entire screen is reduced by decreasing the light intensity of the screen on its lower right side. Thus, the useless stimulation of the sense of sight of the driver can be avoided. Consequently, the adaptation of the visual sense to the dark environment of the field of view can be supported. On the other hand, the display of the vehicle speed and other information that must be displayed even in a situation that requires relatively much attention, can be further mapped to a position of the screen, which is in the vicinity of the line of sight when the driver in the vehicle -Vorwrärts direction looks.

In addition, because the screen intensity is changed linearly, it can be calculated by the relatively simple calculation method. Subsequently, the control device measures 7 in step ST118, the elapsed time. When the predetermined time has elapsed (YES at step ST119), the controller sets 7 the screen of the display 2 at step ST120 back to its original nighttime (purpose) screen.

It It is noted that the display screen is related to that be arranged symmetrically in the case of the right-hand steering vehicle although a case has been described in the display example, wherein the vehicle display device in the seventh preferred Execution on the left-hand drive vehicle was used.

In the seventh embodiment is the direction in which the brightness of the screen gradually decreases will, one direction from the top left of the screen to its lower right side. Consequently, this direction can be in a case in which the driver's seat is located on the left side is (the left-hand steering vehicle) provide the ad feature, which can be adapted appropriately to the driver's visual characteristics.

(Eighth version)

Next, the eighth preferred embodiment of the vehicle display device according to the present invention will be described below. The vehicle display device in the eighth preferred embodiment has the same construction as in FIG 1 shown on. It is noted that in the eighth embodiment, the light-on state detection unit 3 not always needed. The operation of the eighth preferred embodiment will be described with reference to a 31 shown flowchart described. When the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on, the in 31 started shown routine. First, the controller detects 7 in step ST141, the brightness surrounding the vehicle, that of the luminance sensor 4 was recorded. Subsequently, the controller determines 7 in step ST142, whether by the luminance sensor 4 detected brightness is suddenly changed. If the rate of change of the brightness per predetermined time is large (YES in step ST142), the controller performs 7 at step ST143, the process of switching the screen to the nighttime (purpose) screen. In addition, the controller takes 7 at step ST144, reference to road data obtained from the navigation device 6 in step ST145 to determine if the current running position is in the tunneling interval. At the same time, the controller takes 7 at step ST146, the reference by the time acquisition unit 4 detected data regarding the current time and the current date. At step ST147, the controller determines 7 whether the current time is in the daytime. Then, if the current running position is neither in the tunneling interval nor in the time of day (NO in step ST148), image processing is not performed (step ST149). On the other hand, the controller determines 7 when the current running position is in the tunneling interval and the controller 7 determines that the current time is in the time of day (YES at step ST148) that the vehicle has entered the tunnel in the daytime in fair weather. At step ST150, the controller executes 7 the process off, so that the light intensity of the screen of the display 2 once is decreased (step ST150).

Subsequently, when the elapsed time by the controller 7 is measured in step ST151 and a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step ST152), the routine goes to step ST153. In step ST153, the screen display is changed so that the screen intensity is gradually reduced in the predetermined direction. For example, in the case of the right-hand steering vehicle, the brightness of such a screen is gradually reduced from a horizontal center of an upper end of the screen to a position slightly away from the horizontal center of the lower end of the screen to a left position or simply from the right end position the screen is offset to the left end position of the screen.

Next, the predetermined elapsed time is measured (step ST154) and the light intensity of the screen is increased in accordance with the elapsed time in step ST155. At a time when the predetermined time has passed (YES in step ST156), the controller sets 7 returns the screen to the original nighttime (purpose) screen (step ST157). The process of resetting the brightness in the night-time screen includes one of the ways in which the brightness is changed linearly, stepwise, or in the form of an exponential function, as in FIG 18 to 24 is explained. In the vehicle display device of the eighth preferred embodiment, the large amount of brightness of the screen is reduced in the same manner as described in each of the first to seventh embodiments. Therefore, the adaptability of the sense of sight of the driver to the dark environment of the visual field can be improved. In addition, the necessary information from the screen of the display can be clearly recognized by the driver.

Of the The term "gradual" means at the gradient essentially gradual as the step-like change. It is noted that throughout the specification and The term used in the drawings is the brightness on the screen is to be considered that it has the same meaning as the illumination intensity of the screen has.

Of the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-307546 (Am Filed December 15, 2000 in Japan) is hereby incorporated by reference. Although the invention by reference to certain embodiments the invention has been described above, the invention is not limited to these embodiments described above. The expert will be in the face of the above technical teaching modifications and changes the embodiments described above tap. The scope of the invention is defined with reference to the following claims.

Claims (17)

A display device for a motor vehicle, comprising: an indicator ( 2 ) located at a position of the vehicle located near a dashboard surface of the vehicle; and a control device ( 7 ), which in response to detection of a state of the vehicle that satisfies a predetermined condition, performs a process for gradually reducing a brightness of a screen of the display in a predetermined direction that is farther from a line of sight of a vehicle occupant when the vehicle occupant is in a vehicle forward direction looks. Display device for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a part of the screen of the display on an outside an area with a line segment coming from a position the eyes of the vehicle occupant towards a central portion of the Display is directed as a middle between 20 ° of the upper and the lower direction with respect to the line segment and respectively 30 ° of left and right directions with respect thereto. A display device for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control device ( 7 ) performs the process of gradually reducing the brightness of the screen of the display in the predetermined direction by linearly decreasing the brightness thereof in the predetermined direction. A display device for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control device ( 7 ) performs the process of gradually reducing the brightness of the screen of the display in the predetermined direction by reducing the brightness thereof in the predetermined direction in the manner of an exponential function. A display device for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control device ( 7 ) performs the process of gradually reducing the brightness of the screen of the display in the predetermined direction by gradually decreasing the brightness of at least a portion of the screen of the display. A display device for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control device ( 7 ) performs a process of gradually increasing the brightness of the screen after a light intensity of the screen of the display ( 2 ) has been decreased once (time B) in response to the detection of the condition of the vehicle satisfying the predetermined condition. A display device for a motor vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, after the light intensity of the screen of the display ( 2 ) has once been reduced, the control device ( 7 ) a rate of gradually increasing the brightness of the screen of the display between a part of the screen of the display ( 2 ) which is relatively close to the line of sight direction and another part thereof which is relatively far from the line of sight direction. A display device for a motor vehicle according to claim 6, wherein when the control device ( 7 ) executes the process for gradually increasing the brightness of the screen after the light intensity of the screen has once been reduced, the controller ( 7 ) performs a process in which the brightness of only a portion of the display ( 2 ), which is relatively close to the direction of the line of sight of the vehicle occupant, remains unchanged. A display device for a motor vehicle according to claim 6, wherein a start time to which said control means ( 7 ) begins to execute the process for gradually increasing the brightness of the screen after the light intensity of the screen has once been reduced, is set earlier, when a portion of the screen of the display comes closer to the line of sight. A display device for a motor vehicle according to claim 6, wherein when the control device ( 7 ) executes the process of gradually increasing the brightness of the screen after the light intensity of the screen has once been decreased, the controller ( 7 ) linearly performs a process for enhancing the brightness of the screen of the display with respect to a lapse of time. A display device for a motor vehicle according to claim 6, wherein when the control means ( 7 ) executes the process of gradually increasing the brightness of the screen after the light intensity of the screen has once been decreased, the controller ( 7 ) performs a process for enhancing the brightness of the screen of the display with respect to a lapse of time in the manner of an exponential function. A display device for a motor vehicle according to claim 6, wherein when the control device ( 7 ) executes the process of gradually increasing the brightness of the screen after the light intensity of the screen has once been decreased, the controller ( 7 ) progressively performs a process for enhancing the brightness of the screen of the display with respect to a lapse of time. A display device for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein the predetermined direction from an upper end of the screen of the display ( 2 ), through the screen of the display ( 2 ), is directed to a lower end thereof. A display device for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein said predetermined direction is from a region near a right upper end of the screen of said display ( 2 ), through the screen of the display ( 2 ) is directed to a lower left end thereof. A display device for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein the predetermined direction of an area close to a left upper end of the screen of the display ( 2 ), through the screen of the display ( 2 ) is directed to a right upper end thereof. A display device for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein the predetermined direction of an area close to a point P on the screen of the display ( 2 ) to an area near a point Q, where P denotes a viewpoint of the vehicle occupant when the vehicle occupant is looking in the vehicle forward direction, and Q a point farthest from the vehicle occupant's viewpoint on the screen of the display (FIG. 2 ) when the vehicle occupant is looking in the vehicle forward direction. A display method for a motor vehicle, comprising: providing a display ( 2 ) located at a position of the vehicle located near a dashboard surface of the vehicle; Detecting (ST1 to ST4, ST11 to ST18, ST51 to ST60, ST71 to ST74, ST91 to ST94, ST111 to ST115, ST141 to ST148) a state of the vehicle satisfying a predetermined condition; and gradually decreasing (ST6, ST20, ST39, ST62, ST82, ST98, ST117, ST153) a brightness of a screen of the display in a predetermined direction farther from a direction of a line of sight of a vehicle occupant when the vehicle occupant is in a vehicle Forward direction looks.